Luis Alberto Rodriguez, 81 of Coral Springs, Florida, formerly of Connecticut and Puerto Rico, passed away on Thursday December 27, 2018. He is the beloved husband and best friend of Candida Rodriguez, who shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in the town of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico on April 20, 1937 and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he is the son of the late, Virola and Eugenio Rodriguez. He was the youngest of eight siblings, Ramona, Santos, Mariano, Amelia, Cecilia, Cristino, Palmira and Angel, the only surviving brother.

He was the member to Star of Jacob Christian Church in New Haven, Connecticut for 40 years and the member of Manantial del Vida in Coral Springs, Florida. He loved God with all of his heart, mind, and soul. He desired for all to know God as their Lord and Savior. He will be remembered for his great love and dedication to God and his family, his positive attitude, great deal of energy and resolve, love of life, and funny sense of humor. He was passionate about baseball, the Marlins was his favorite team.

He owned several "bodegas" and was the founder of Sofrito Ponce, where his sofrito seasoning/staple and hard labor evolved into a family business, known as "EL Conquistador de la Cocina," the "conquerer of the kitchen."

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday January 4, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, South Chapel, 2101 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309. Graveside services will follow.

May fond memories of Luis a husband, father, grandfather and good friend who we all cherish his company bring you all comfort during this hard time. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and smile at the fact that you all were able to share these before he passed away. Our hearts and prayers go out to Candita and the family. He will greatly missed at our Thanksgiving gathering which we are glad we was there this past one with him. He will always remain in our hearts. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain. We love you all 😘 Many Blessings, Carmen & Lemuel

Ivelisse on
Jan 3, 2019

To my adopted family, I feel very sad that I can not be with u all. Praying for peace n comfort. When I look back at my childhood u r all my memories. I remember Luis would put Marybelle n I to work at the store n one time in particular he made us work but treated us to riverside (six flags now) as a pay back. Thank u Luis for loving me as if I were ur own. You will be missed but never forgotten. Hugs to my adopted family, I love u all’

Ana Rodriguez on
Jan 2, 2019

Sorry for the loss of your dad (Candida's husband) he is already missed. We cherish the memories of our time together while in New Haven and at Star of Jacob. Our pioneers, leaders (in their own right),friends and family in Christ definitely deserve credit for how we turned out. We were encouraged to follow our dreams while holding fast to our Redeemer and because they modeled this life style it has been doable for so many. Thank you for sharing your dad with so many of us and being the extended family only we can talk about. Let us celebrate his amazing life. Always, Ana Rodriguez

Senior year of High School I remember my english teacher telling us to write a paper on someone who inspired us. Could not think of anyone else better to write about than you, Bio. Growing up I would listen to the struggles and sacrifices you made to make a better life for you and your family. I was always in awe about how many obstacles you overcame. Through your hard work ethic, grew an entrepreneurial drive. You saved up up to open a bodega. And in that bodega you made your own sofrito. As your recipe became an instant hit, you took a leap of faith that till this day not many people would take. You left the bodega behind and began a food manufacturing company with your family. I am so blessed and grateful to inherit a company that you built from your own hands.

But its not only through the business that I grew to have an absolute admiration for you. It was the fact you came here with no more than a 3rd grade education. It was the fact that you were able to send all four of your kids to college. It was the fact you and Bia had the most beautiful marriage. It was the fact you not only looked to better your family but as well as your community. It was the fact you would always make your grandchildren laugh, wether it was your corny jokes, the daffy duck impressions or the stories you would tell us how you lost part of your thumb. It was the simple fact that you would always attribute your success and obstacles to your strong faith in god.

Bio, Id like to think that I inherited your drive, ambition and will to succeed. 2019 will mark 30 years in business. I will continue to carry on your name with the utmost pride. Thank you for all that you did and showed us. Rest in peace, I love you dearly.

Alyssa Lora on
Dec 29, 2018

You are the best grandpa ever. Thanks for always being so loving and making me laugh. Thanks for making the best limbers de crema! Love you always, Alyssa.

Marybelle Rodriguez-Lora on
Dec 29, 2018

You are the best grandpa ever. Thanks for always being so loving and making me laugh. Thanks for making the best limbers de crema! Love you always.

Marybelle Rodriguez-Lora on
Dec 29, 2018

Thank you for being such a wonderful Dad, I will miss you greatly. Love, Your baby daughter, Marybelle

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Maria Koenes on
Dec 29, 2018

I’m so sorry for your lost, and pray for God’s comfort for you. I’m so happy to have known Don Luis, he always had a funny story to make everyone laugh. He also loved his family,made evident in the loving way he was with them. He always came and welcomed us when we would come and visit Julio and Doris.. He made known to others what God had done in his life, and he expressed his love for Him.